Joe's Luck eBook

“I don’t think they will make one in my
case,” said Joe. “I told the agent
I would agree to pay the other, half as soon as I earned
it, but he said he didn’t do business in that
way.”

“Of course. You are a stranger to him,
don’t you see? That makes all the difference
in the world. Now, I happen to be personally
acquainted with him. I am sure he would do me
a favor. Just give me the fifty dollars, and
I’ll warrant I’ll get the ticket for you.”

Joe was not wholly without caution, and the thought
of parting with his money to a stranger didn’t
strike him favorably. Not that he had any doubts
as to his new friend’s integrity, but it didn’t
seem businesslike.

“Can’t I go with you to the office?”
he suggested.

“I think I can succeed better in the negotiation
if I am alone,” said the stranger. “I’ll
tell you what—­you needn’t hand me
the money, provided you agree to take the ticket off
my hands at fifty dollars if I secure it.”

“Certainly I will, and be very thankful to you.”

“I always like to help young men along,”
said the stranger benevolently. “I’ll
see about it to-morrow. Now, where can I meet
you?”

“In this room. How will that do?”

“Perfectly. I am sure I can get the ticket
for you. Be sure to have the money ready.”

“I’ll be sure,” said Joe cheerfully.

“And hark you, my young friend,” continued
the stranger, “don’t say a word to any
one of what I am going to do for you, or I might have
other applications, which I should be obliged to refuse.”

“Very well, sir. I will remember.”

Punctually at four the next day the stranger entered
the room, where Joe was already awaiting him.

“Have you succeeded?” asked Joe eagerly.

The stranger nodded.

“Let us go up to your room and complete our
business. For reasons which I have already mentioned,
I prefer that the transaction should be secret.”

“All right, sir.”

Joe got his key, and led the way up-stairs.

“I had a little difficulty with the agent,”
said the stranger; “but finally he yielded,
out of old friendship.” He produced a large
card, which read thus:

Californiasteamshipcompany.

Thebearer

Is Entitled to One Steerage Passage

From

NewYorktoSanFrancisco

SteamerColumbus.

Below this was printed the name of the agent.
Joe paid over the money joyfully.

“I am very much obliged to you,” he said
gratefully.

“Don’t mention it,” said the stranger,
pocketing the fifty dollars. “Good day!
Sorry to leave you, but I am to meet a gentleman at
five.”